Nick Daniels III, New Orleans funk dignitary and one-half of the two-bass duo in Dumpstaphunk, died Friday, April 26 following complications from recently being diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer. He was 68. The loss comes on the second day of the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, as many descend upon New Orleans to celebrate the music that defined his storied life. Daniels is survived by his wife Marion Daniels, children, and grandchildren.
A childhood friend of Ivan Neville, Daniels became a staple of the Crescent City music community and performed with bands that backed The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Boz Scaggs, the Wild Magnolias and Etta James. Daniels was a member of Dumpstaphunk since the band’s inception in 2003, appearing in all four studio albums and helping the group develop from a side project to become one of the most renowned modern funk collectives in the world.
Ivan Neville shares, “We are still at a loss for words while processing the passing of our brother Nick Daniels III. As a founding member of our band Dumpstaphunk, and as part of the extended Neville family, his musical contributions to the city of New Orleans and beyond are immeasurable. As our lifelong friend since childhood, we will continue to honor his legacy the best way we know how, by playing our hearts out even as our hearts are breaking, because Nick was born to make people happy and he will always be with us in spirit.”
With a gospel-like voice, five-string bass and kind-hearted disposition, he endeared himself to many over the years and mentored the next generation of funk stewards. Many in the music community expressed their love for Daniels and his legacy in the hours following his death:
“There’s not enough internet to explain what this dude mean to me… The phunk will never feel the same.” – Ian Neville, Dumpstaphunk
“To be that gifted and equally as nice a person is a rare thing indeed. I LOVED his bass playing. And I ADORED his voice and singing… thank you for inspiring me Nick.” – Oteil Burbridge, Dead & Company
“All I can say is that I’m thankful to GOD to have known and spent so much time with this gem of a human. Anyone who interacted with him knew how kind and generous he was. The KINDEST man I’ve ever known. He was a true example of goodness in this world.” – Nikki Glaspie, The Nth Power
A public memorial celebrating the life of Nick Daniels III will take place Tuesday, April 30 outside of Tipitina’s in New Orleans at 7:45 p.m. following the Fessy Awards at 7 p.m.
A GoFundMe has also been created in the wake of Daniels’ death to support his family and funeral arrangements: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nick-daniels-iii
